Sociology and International Development
(BA) Sociology and International Development
Entry for 2025
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
This programme allows students to learn about the colonial and postcolonial experiences and cultures of developing countries, and reflect on their own societies. It aims to gives students an understanding of the history of international development, including its origins in colonialism, and of core theories off development (both orthodox and critical) and an understanding of current development practice and issues, informed by knowledge of sociological theories and debates on capitalism, the relationship between the individual and society and social change. During the first two years, students combine the sociology and international development courses, while in the final year they take specialised options from both areas of study, including the option to do an extended piece of work on a subject of their choice.
The joint programme enables students to understand the importance of both Sociology and Development in the contemporary world, to acquire a range of empirical knowledge which they can evaluate and relate to theories in both disciplines, and to understand and use their concepts, approaches and methods in carrying out both academic and field research. Students will learn to analyse social events, ideas, institutions and practices critically, and debate and respond to key development issues confronting peoples in the global South. Relevant research techniques as well as transferable practical and intellectual skills are emphasised in both disciplines.
Course learning outcomes
explain major concepts and theories, and their application in contemporary sociology
demonstrate knowledge of different societies, and understanding of what may be learned by comparing them
demonstrate understanding and knowledge of key topics and debates in a number of specialised areas in sociology
collate a range of appropriate sources (including paper, audio-visual and electronic sources) and structure material from them to answer a question
assess the strengths and weaknesses of empirical material as evidence for conclusions in specific cases
critically evaluate competing explanations and theories in a range of contexts
formulate research questions and plan how to answer them
identify and use appropriate research methods (including questionnaires, interviews, observations and content analysis)
analyse the ethical implications of social research in a variety of settings
make simple analyses of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate computer programmes
communicate effectively with others and present information both orally and in writing
conduct a literature search and produce a correctly formatted bibliography
manage their time in long-term work programmes
understand key concepts and theoretical debates in international development and their relevance for contemporary development practice
understand the historical, economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects of development
understand key contemporary issues in international development
carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline
Full-time course composition
Course convenors
Associate Professor in Sociology
working class, inequality, education, globalisation.
About your joint honours course
Sussex has always promoted interdisciplinary study by encouraging students to combine different subjects and different approaches to learning. Joint-honours courses are an ideal option if you want to study more than one subject in depth. A key idea behind joint-honours is to experience the range of ways that different academic disciplines use to teach, learn and research. Those differences are stimulating and challenging, but they can also be confusing, so you will find some useful information below to help you get the most out of your course.
- To find information about the individual modules that make up your course, go to the school that teaches the module. Each module is assessed by the school that teaches it, so on their website you will find (under “student information”) information about the assessment criteria being used, the referencing style you need to use for your work, contact times for your tutors, information about the student reps scheme and lots of other useful information.
- To find general information about joint honours, use the Frequently Asked Questions list
- For information about the rules and regulations that govern all Sussex students, start with the general student handbook
- For help in improving your study skills, using the library and with careers, try the Skills Hub.
And if you have any other questions, contact the convenors for your course; they are here to help you.
Useful links
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.